Scientists reveal how the brain assigns emotions to memories

Neuroscientists have uncovered how the brain assigns emotions to memories, a process known as valence assignment. Different neural pathways are activated depending on whether a memory feels positive or negative. This discovery could change how trauma is treated and improve mental well-being for those affected by distressing experiences. In a study published in Nature, Professor Kay Tye and her team identified two distinct neural pathways. These pathways function like railway tracks, guiding memories toward either positive or negative emotional associations. However, the exact brain regions or mechanisms that switch between these pathways remain unclear.

The team's findings explain why the same event can trigger vastly different memories in people. For example, one neighbour might recall a devastating flood as deeply traumatic, while another remembers it as a moment of community resilience. This subjectivity stems from how each person's brain assigns emotional weight to the experience. Understanding valence assignment could revolutionise psychological therapy. By actively rewiring negative memories into positive ones, clinicians might help trauma survivors reframe their experiences. This approach offers a potential new direction for treatments targeting emotional distress.

The research highlights how emotional perception shapes memory, even when people experience the same event. If scientists can pinpoint how to influence valence assignment, therapies could become more effective at easing trauma. This may lead to better quality of life for those struggling with painful past experiences.